Jack Mobley: Atkins should apologize to Gray, reinstate him

Adam Gray’s removal from the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife committee by Speaker Toni Atkins after his bill, AB1242, was passed out of committee is a terrible example of leadership. Speaker Atkins should apologize to Assemblyman Gray and reinstate him.

I support Assemblyman Gray’s efforts to help bring responsible solutions to our water problem. He was treated poorly by his party leadership because he stood up against the lobbyists and environmentalists who control the money to which both parties have become addicted. Elected members from both parties and their constituents should voice opposition to Speaker Atkins and her decision.

The water situation should have been solved decades ago and would have been if not for the influence of misguided people who put fish in front of farmers and citizens. As large as the water issue is, it is not as important as the influence of power brokers who control politicians from both parties. Their power has infiltrated all levels of government, blocking sensible efforts such as Assemblyman Gray’s bill and elevated illogical projects like high-speed rail.

It is high time to get back to honest, vigorous debate between people of good will might have different opinions but are united in their desire to make California better. We can and must do better.

This story was originally published April 20, 2015 at 11:55 AM with the headline "Jack Mobley: Atkins should apologize to Gray, reinstate him."